Elbow at Danforth Music Hall, Toronto — Gig review

The first time I saw Elbow live was June 2002. They were the opening act for Doves at the fabulous Palais Royale. It was the first time I have ever been blown away by the opening band. I’m not sure if it was the venue and the terrific acoustics, or the late spring “love is in the air” atmosphere (I was on a date after all); but I can remember how truly mesmerized I was by the band and particularly Guy Garvey’s superb vocals.

I have been fortunate enough to see Elbow live at least two times before their most recent tour which touched down in Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall. I’m still on the fence about the acoustics at the Danforth with its seating removed, but I do enjoy the visuals available with the great slope and relatively decent sightlines.

Touring in support of their latest album The Take Off and Landing of Everything, Elbow did not stray from a set list they have been repeating throughout the tour – which includes a balanced mix of old and new songs.

Guy Garvey does a superb job fronting the band; engaging the audience with small talk between songs and randomly introducing members of the band throughout the show. It’s always fun when the band encourages the audience to join in on their songs and the band has plenty of songs that play in to that.

Elbow is a band that has always met my “Great Expectations” and their consistency is comforting and it reinforces that my first impression was discerningly accurate.